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ASTM Standards and Tests for Coefficient of Friction

Coefficient of friction is defined as the force causing a body to slide along a plane (in the direction of
sliding) to the normal force pressing the two surfaces together. Coefficient of friction has to be measured
experimentally; it cannot be measured using formulas. Static friction and Dynamic or Kinetic friction are
the two types of coefficient of friction that are used to determine how safe a floor can be. Static
Coefficient Friction is between non-moving surfaces; it can prevent an object or person from sliding down a
gradient surface. Kinetic friction is between moving surfaces; it measures the friction between two
surfaces moving against each other such as a book being pushed across a table or a sled being dragged
across the ground.
Many machines have been created to measure coefficient of friction. Highly regarded agencies use the
results from these machines and their tests to create recommendations and standards that other agencies
follow. Many government regulations are based upon ASTM standards. ASTM is an international
standards organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a various range of items. Four
types of ASTM tests are done for flooring, ASTM 1679, ASTM E303, ASTM D2047, ASTM F1677 and
ASTM C1028. Which one is the right test for your application?
ASTM 1679
ASTM 1679 is a type of test that is approved for both wet and dry testing. This test can be used on nearly
all surfaces. The ASTM 1679 test is done using the English XL Variable Incidence Tribometer. It relies on
a carbon dioxide cartridge, not gravity, therefore providing more accurate results and also allowing for
inclined surfaces to be tested. The English XL Tribometer mimics the human stepping motion and allows
for synchronized application of vertical and horizontal forces. The tribometer has no motors, springs or
anything else that may fail when testing occurs, making it the preferred testing method for ASTM 1679.
ASTM E303
The ASTM E303 test is completed with the British Pendulum. The British Pendulum is used in both
laboratory tests and tests completed in the field. It measures the energy loss when a rubber slider is
moved over the square foot testing surface. ASTM E303 is used for road and paving standards.
ASTM D2047
The ASTM D2047 test is completed in the lab using the James Machine. The James Machine is a rather
large and bulky machine that uses a 3 x 3 testing surface. It is only used for testing dry surfaces, it is
not appropriate for wet surfaces because the sensor pads that are attached tend to hydroplane, which will
lead to skewed results. The James Machine needs continuous maintenance and adjustment in order to
measure correctly due to the fact that an 80 pound weight is part of the test. Currently, there is only one
computerized version in production and four versions of the machine have been created since 1975.
ASTM F1677
ASTM1677 is completed using the Brungraber Mark, also known as a portable inclinable articulated strut
slip tester (PISAT). The Brungraber Mark is commonly used for measure slip resistance on ramps, in both
the laboratory and the field. This test can be used on both wet and dry walking surfaces. The Brungraber
Mark uses an angle that is set to a certain degree and a 10 pound weight is released. The weight is
released each time the angle is moved until a slip occurs.
ASTM C1028
The ASTMC1028 test is run with the HPS (Horizontal Pull Slipmeter). The HPS measures both static and
kinetic coefficient of friction. Dry surfaces are mostly tested by this method, wet measurements are
possible but erratic. The HPS is compromised of a large pad and 50 pounds of weight that is hand pulled
across tiles to measure slip resistance. Because the HPS is so heavy, it makes it rather difficult to test in
the field.
Each ASTM standard is complied by numerous tests being done by various sources. By examining each
standard and the test that is performed for each, you can choose which non-skid flooring option best suits
your applications needs. Most engineers feel that ASTM 1679 and ASTM D2047 are the most reliable for
measuring coefficient of friction.
Friction < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friction>
ASTM E303 < http://www.astm.org/Standards/E303.htm>
Tribometer < http://www.slipandfall.com/Vidal_Engineering/Tribometer_Standards.html>

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